Williamstown football entertains South Harrison in first round

The crisp November air carries a certain weight, a feeling of anticipation that only playoff football can deliver. It’s a feeling familiar to Williamstown High School, where the Yellowjackets are preparing to host South Harrison in the first round of the Class AA state playoffs. The image of sophomore Daniel Cunningham, number 21, churning through Roane County defenders earlier this season – a moment captured by photographer Nikki Allen – encapsulates the team’s relentless drive and potential for a deep tournament run. Williamstown (9-1), as the No. 5 seed, welcomes a South Harrison (6-4) team eager to prove themselves, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling contest.

What Happened: Yellowjackets Face Hawks in First Round

Coach Chris Beck’s confidence in his Williamstown Yellowjackets is palpable, believing they possess the talent and execution necessary to contend for a Class AA state championship. While acknowledging the high level of competition across the field, Beck noted, “I like how our team has progressed throughout the year and gotten better, and executed.” A recent loss to Wheeling Central highlighted areas for improvement, specifically two costly mental mistakes that he hopes his team will correct before facing South Harrison. The Yellowjackets previously defeated South Harrison 40-8 earlier this season, a game where Daniel Cunningham showcased his explosive running ability with touchdowns of 71 and 54 yards, totaling 167 rushing yards on just 11 carries. This past encounter, however, is expected to be different as both teams prepare for adjustments.

South Harrison brings their own formidable weapon to the field: senior running back Shepherd Paugh. Paugh has been a dominant force this season, racking up an impressive 1,474 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. In the previous matchup against Williamstown, he managed 84 yards before being sidelined due to concussion protocol. Coach Beck recognizes Paugh's impact, calling him “a very dynamic young man that presents a lot of problems,” and emphasizing his competitiveness and ability to consistently move the chains. Williamstown’s balanced offensive attack, led by junior quarterback Breck Allen, aims to counter South Harrison’s ground game.

Allen has thrown for 1,153 yards with 19 touchdowns and only one interception this season. He also contributes significantly on the ground with 778 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Cunningham remains a key contributor out of the backfield, having gained 1,026 yards and 15 touchdowns. A diverse group of receivers – including JT Strobl (16-234, 4 TDs), Cunningham (11-213, 3 TDs), Mason Kern (16-209, 4 TDs), Tyrell Miller (14-197, 4 TDs), Trenton Hall (8-161, 5 TDs) and John Amrine (9-136) – provide Allen with numerous options downfield. Both teams also display strength in defensive takeaways, with Williamstown recording 11 interceptions compared to South Harrison’s 10.

St. Marys Blue Devils Chase Postseason Success

Beyond Williamstown, the St. Marys Blue Devils are also embarking on a playoff journey. After a challenging start to the season, St. Marys has surged with a five-game winning streak, leading them into a matchup against Pendleton County. The teams have faced off twice in past playoff contests – once in 2019 and again in 2020 – with the series currently tied at 1-1. This marks St. Marys’ 17th postseason appearance under the leadership of Coach Jodi Mote, who is celebrating his 25th season with the program. They are looking for a win, after being recognized as state champions during the year of COVID in 2020.

St. Marys relies heavily on their ground game, spearheaded by quarterback Jeremiah DeMoss and running backs Elijah Kimball and Ethan Pierce. Kimball leads the team with 812 rushing yards and a remarkable 15 touchdowns, while DeMoss has added 421 yards on the ground. Pendleton County, conversely, boasts a more pass-heavy offense, led by sophomore quarterback M. Miller who has thrown for an astounding 1,975 yards and 28 touchdowns. The Blue Devils’ secondary will need to be sharp to contain Pendleton County’s impressive receiving corps, including Travis Owens (54-1,044, 14 TDs), Britton Lough (45-685, 8 TDs) and Cameron Wyatt (33-730, 9 TDs).

Pendleton County's Aerial Assault

The Pendleton County Wildcats’ offensive scheme poses a unique challenge for the St. Marys defense. With sophomore quarterback M. Miller orchestrating the passing attack, the Wildcats have spread the ball among a trio of talented receivers: Owens, Lough, and Wyatt. Lough also stands out on defense as Pendleton County's second-leading tackler and a force in generating tackles for loss. The Blue Devils will need to focus their efforts to contain this multifaceted threat if they hope to advance in the playoffs.

Community Impact: A Source of Pride

For the residents of Williamstown and St. Marys, these playoff games represent more than just football; they embody a sense of community pride and shared experience. Friday night lights are a cornerstone of small-town life, providing a focal point for families and friends to gather and support their local teams. The success of these teams reflects the dedication of coaches, players, and the unwavering support of parents and community members. These games serve as reminders that commitment to something bigger than oneself – be it a team, a school, or a town – can foster lasting bonds and create memories that last a lifetime. Strong community support for these teams often translates into positive outcomes for young people across the board, fostering values like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Marcus's Take: Beyond the Scoreboard

Watching these young men compete on the field reminds me of what’s truly important. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about the character they build, the lessons they learn, and the resilience they demonstrate in facing adversity. These games are a microcosm of life itself – requiring hard work, dedication, and a willingness to persevere even when things get tough. The emphasis on family and community that surrounds these teams is something we should all strive for – building strong relationships and supporting one another through thick and thin.

As we look ahead to the playoffs, it’s important to remember that success isn't solely measured by the final score. It's about the young men representing our community with integrity and sportsmanship, both on and off the field. The presence of Shepherd Paugh, a senior leader for South Harrison, exemplifies this – his competitive spirit coupled with a demonstrated ability to overcome challenges is something we can all admire. And while Williamstown’s Daniel Cunningham has showcased incredible athleticism, it's the team's overall progress and execution that Coach Beck rightly emphasizes. The future of these young men, and the future of our community, depends on instilling in them these values.

What's Next: A Look Ahead

Williamstown faces a tough challenge against South Harrison, but their previous meeting suggests they have the potential to pull out a victory if they can correct their recent mistakes. The key will be containing Shepherd Paugh and capitalizing on opportunities in the passing game. St. Marys’ matchup against Pendleton County promises to be equally compelling, with the Blue Devils needing to contain Pendleton County’s potent passing attack while relying on their ground game to control the clock. The games are scheduled for Friday evening, and residents are encouraged to attend and show their support for these talented young athletes.

For those unable to attend in person, local radio stations will be providing live coverage. The outcomes of these playoff games will undoubtedly shape the narrative of high school football in our region for weeks to come. Regardless of the results, these young men have already earned the respect and admiration of their community, reminding us all of the power of teamwork, dedication, and unwavering support.

Further information on playoff schedules and ticket availability can be found on the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) website. For more information about Williamstown High School, visit the Williamstown City Schools website, and for details about South Harrison High School, check out their page on the Harrison County Schools website. St. Marys Blue Devils fans can find updates on the City of St. Marys website, and information regarding local youth football programs can be found at the Marietta County Football Association's site. For those looking to support local businesses, visit the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce website.

The playoff season is a time for celebration, but also a reminder of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community spirit. Let’s all rally behind these young men and wish them the best of luck as they pursue their championship dreams.